Evansville Homeowner Loses Everything in Denby Avenue Fire

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — Evansvile firefighters were up for a challenge, as an early morning fire on Denby Avenue took a heavy toll.

Seven crews were on the scene of the just before 4 a.m. The Evansville fire department says the original call alerted them of a car fire, but upon arrival they found a home billowing smoke.
Battalion Chief Keith Bowden says they sprung into action to save the home and neighboring houses.

“I think it was already in the attic when we got here. So, it got a pretty good head start on us. We had a roof collapse, so we pulled everyone out and defensive set up master streams,” says Bowden.

The homeowner Duke George says he stepped out for work. He returned home and in the time usually designated for a good night’s rest, he found himself dialing 911.

“Just as I got down the walkway, I noticed smoke. All of a sudden, the house just went up,” says the homeowner.

George suffered first degree hand burns in the chaos. “I put my hand up against the house, not knowing that it was that hot. Everything just kind of singed it a little bit,” says George.

Officials say they worked for nearly 2 hours to control smoke and flames. Ultimately, firefighters deemed the house a total loss.

In one night, George’s belongings dwindled to only the clothes on his back. Family momentos were buried in the flames, but he’s choosing to keep his optimism.

“Our grandmother’s portraits…great grandparents, my dad and my mom all deceased now. Those things, you know…they’re material. As long as we have a room in our hearts, and in our minds, we will never be away from them,” says George.

Officials say an adjacent house also suffered some damage, and they’re still investigating the cause.

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